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The AlchemistThe Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has been read by over 30 million people, many of whom have claimed that it has been a life changing experience. The Spanish shepherd boy Santiago (actually he's in his late teens) has a dream of treasure near the Pyramids. Should he believe his dream? He meets a man who gives him the advice that when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. Strangely similar to a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Now I read somewhere that Emerson deserved to be shot for his quote about mousetraps, and this advice didn't seem very helpful either. Santiago sells his flock and starts a journey to Egypt, but soon all his money is stolen - hardly things conspiring in his favour. He has to try to earn enough to restart a flock. But does Santiago ever find his treasure by the Pyramids? You'll need to read the book to find out. The point the book does make is that if you really want to do something but don't, then you'll live to regret it - much more than if you go ahead but run into problems. A lesson you can learn from other books perhaps, but Coelho's enchanting fable is still well worth reading.
| Amazon.com info
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Paperback
208 pages
ISBN: 0061122416
Salesrank: 140
Weight:0.55 lbs | | Published: 2006 HarperCollins | | Amazon price $9.49 | | Marketplace:New from $7.95:Used from $2.75 |
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| Amazon.co.uk info
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Paperback
208 pages
ISBN: 0722532938
Salesrank: 337
Weight:0.35 lbs | | Published: 2006 HarperCollins | | Amazon price £4.31 | | Marketplace:New from £1.15:Used from £0.01 |
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| Amazon.ca info
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Paperback
208 pages
ISBN: 0061122416
Salesrank: 676
Weight:0.55 lbs | | Published: 2006 Harperone | | Amazon price CDN$ 13.86 | | Marketplace:New from CDN$ 5.65:Used from CDN$ 6.00 |
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| Product Description
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"My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky." Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams." Every few decades a book is published that changes the lives of its readers forever. The Alchemist is such a book. With over a million and a half copies sold around the world, The Alchemist has already established itself as a modern classic, universally admired. Paulo Coelho's charming fable, now available in English for the first time, will enchant and inspire an even wider audience of readers for generations to come. The Alchemist is the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist. The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories have done, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams. |
| very good book highly recomend it ***** |
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| really gives you insights on how you should follow your dreams and never give up. also show how a chain of events is linked and that you set your own future |
| Like Paul Coelho, Dislike this Book! * |
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| I think Paul Coelho as an author is interesting and wise, but this book was a big disappointment. It took me a long time to get through The Alchemist because I found the rhythm of the writing to be flat. Yes, the over all message was good, but it could of been summed up in the form of a proverb. I don't understand the hype of this book. I've read better stories for spiritual enlightenment, and metaphysical intrigue, this was just a drag. It's a shame too, because I was so excited to read it, being such a fan. |
| Commonplace * |
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| After thirty years of reading, I have finally made it to Coelho, and seldom have I been more disappointed by a book. The alchemist is a short collection of hackneyed truisms, with no storyline or message. The characters are flat; there is no wisdom, not novelty, no life in it. Simple enough as a fable, it may appeal to simple minds, or occasional readers, but if this is what writing has come to, we could have stayed with Aesop. |
| Trite Truisms ** |
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Oddly enough, this book doesn't say anything deep or meaningful that we haven't already heard before. While the message may be a good one, it's obvious, everyone knows it, and ultimately I was asking myself... what's the point? Also, it's like one long lecture rather than a story. So if you're looking for plot or adventure - steer clear.
The good news is that it's short, so it won't waste too much of your time. I'm aware that many people were touched by this work. All I can say is "good for them." I wish I knew what I was missing. |
| In complicated times, simplicity is truly the best. ***** |
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I've read this book several times and each time, something new is revealed - always through the simplicity.
As others have said, the writing is simple and clear, as a primer - but don't confuse that as being writing for young readers. The reality expressed in the simplicity is this: the only place you need to look for the truth is in yourself. The only search would be one's own personal journey.
It's just that simple. And profound. |
| Very inspiring ***** |
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| I found I could not put this book down. The first of Paulo Coelho's books I have read and have since read 'Manual of the Warrior of Light' and today bought 'The Fifth Mountain'. The Alchemist is a must if you are on your path to finding a meaning in life; it is very inspiring if you read into the deeper meaning of the book and is even better the second time round! Paulo Coelho is now on my list of favourite inspiring authors. |
| Inspiration guaranteed ! **** |
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| This is the first book I have read by Coelho, and I am not a great reader , but this has led to me reading a further two by same author... some say this is a life changing book, and I can see why they think that, as it certainly changes your outlook on everyday life. Cleverly written, with a very satisfying end... further recommendations by Coelho: Veronica Decides To die, and Eleven Minutes...(Both available at great discount on Amazon) ! |
| Required reading ***** |
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This book is up there for me.
I say it is required reading for the world, generations.
It's such a simple book but the message, the wisdom in it is ...wow |
| The Alchemist ***** |
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| Great book,I actually put it down once before I finished it! Recieved it in good time from the date of order,good protective packaging too.No complaints,happy with the service! |
| A wonderful read ***** |
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I bought this book having read it already. This is one of those books that you feel to pass on to a friend as soon as you've read it as you want them to undergo the same experience you did. The story has a deep meaning embedded in an exciting and adventurous story.
Having given my first copy to a friend I bought a second copy from Amazon to gift to a friend as this particular friend was going throug a bit of a life crisis. I thought that this would be the ideal gift to someone going through such an ordeal. Amazon offers the cheapest price for this book that I could find on teh internet. You may need to browse through the independant sellers' offers to ascertain the cheapest price. Make sure you take into consideration delivery costs when calculating price.
I would reccomend this book to anyone that enjoys a good story. |
| excellent existential reading ***** |
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| a good story about life, it always offers you it's best, you only have to accept that and to anticipate it's offerings everday, everywhere |
| The Alchemist's Magic ***** |
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What I love about this book is that the concepts are simple, useful and the story, magical. It's the pangea of books. Inspiring, regardless of age, time in history, geography, language and religion.
I read and reread The Alchemist. Then it is time to lay the book down and live another adventure. Thankyou Paulo Coelho. No other contemporary writer has achieved so much, including translations into 67 languages.
This beautiful little fable helped not only myself, but millions around the world to improve their lives. I hope each day, for continued success to you and the Paulo Coelho Institute in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. God bless all 430 children and seniors that you support. In living the story and sharing with others, I feel that I, in a smaller way, am expressing ongoing gratitude and also generating the loving messages that your book conveys.
Looking forward to the release of The Alchemist in graphic novel format in August 2010 (in the United States)!! |
| Thanks you! ***** |
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| Got here on time and for a very reasonable price. Very interesting book. Thank you! |
| Selfish pseudo spirituality * |
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| I don't know what the fuss is all about. This is a self-help book about helping yourself. A simple story about following dreams, listening to your heart, tenacity. and about selfishness - the getting of what you want no matter who gets hurt in the process. I am glad I read this book because it has helped me define what has been annoying me about New Age so-called spiritualism for years. Spirituality is not about the self, not just about the self, anyway. A whole and fulfilled self is a great starting point for loving others but the story of the Alchemist stops short of giving back to others. It is about self-fulfillment, taking what you want from wherever you can get it. Sure, Santiago helps the crystal dealer but it is just so he can save up the money in search of the buried treasure. Read a Leonard Cohen book instead. |
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